Qurbani

What is Qurbani?

Qurbani is a religious sacrifice of sheep, cattle, goats or camels which is made after Eid al Adha prayers, between the 10th and 12th days of Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic calendar. The blessed tradition was passed down to us by our Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and Ismail (peace be upon him) reflecting on their ultimate devotion to Allah (SWT) and the sacrifices they were willing to make.

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) had a series of dreams where he was being commanded to sacrifice his only, beloved son, Ismail. In his devotion to Allah (swt), Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him0 agreed to follow his dream and perform the sacrifice. Allah (SWT) intervened and sent a ram to be sacrificed in Ismail's place.

Qurbani, or Udhiyah in Arabic, means sacrifice. Every year Muslims around the world slaughter an animal – a goat, a sheep, a cow or a camel – to reflect Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail for the sake of Allah (SWT).

Giving Qurbani means that you can share the joy of Eid al Adha with those in need around the world.

Your Qurbani donation will go towards feeding those who have not had a nutritious meal in months and who live in abject poverty.

How much should I give for Qurbani?

Qurbani is the Arabic word for sacrifice. Muslims all across the world sacrifice an animal — a goat, sheep, cow or camel – every year during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah to commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail for the sake of Allah.

Last year, your Qurbani reached over 368,000 people in the world's poorest countries thanks to your generous gifts. Qurbani was spread in countries ranging from Yemen and Palestine to Pakistan, Kashmir and Africa

This year, we aim to aid more people across the world, including those in Palestine/Gaza, Syrian refugees, and the people of Yemen who are suffering from poverty and oppression. We'd also like to share our joy with others whose suffering isn't being addressed by the world's media right now. Nobody should have to go hungry, especially during the Eid ul-Adha feast.

Please join us this year as we share Qurbani with the world's poorest people and make Eid a joyful occasion for them. Every head of household who can afford it is required to perform the Qurbani. As a bare minimum, each family head must sacrifice a sheep or 1 share of a cow.

Give your Qurbani today from as little as £14.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever offers a sacrifice after the (Eid) prayer, has completed his rituals (of Qurbani) and has succeeded in following the ways of the muslims.” (Bukhari)

Follow the Sunnah of Ibrahim (AS)

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:“Whoever offers a sacrifice after the Eid prayer, has completed his rituals of Qurban and has succeeded in following the ways of the Muslims.” (Bukhari)

The animals to be slaughtered at Qurbani/ Udhiyah are sheep, goats, cattle (cows or bulls), buffalo or camels.

According to the rules of Qurbani, they can be male or female but should be in good health, free from disability or handicap, and above a certain age. Goats and sheep must be at least one year old, while cattle must be two years, and camels five years.

FAQS

What is Qurbani?
Qurbani (also known as Udhiyah) is an act of sacrifice that Muslims perform during Eid al-Adha and the subsequent three days. (The three days after Eid al-Adha are known as the days of Tashreeq).

Once our beloved Prophet (SAW) was asked, what is Qurbani? The Prophet (SAW) answered: ‘It is the Sunnah of your father Ibrahim (AS). For every hair of the Qurbani you receive a reward from Allah (SWT).' (Hadith - Tirmidhi).

What is the significance of Qurbani?
Muslims carry out the Qurbani in commemoration of the tremendous sacrifice that Prophet Ibraheem (alaihi salaam) was willing to make. Allaah mentions in the Quran: “And, when he (Ismaeel) was old enough to walk with him, he said: ‘O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you, so look what you think!’ He said: ‘O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Insha Allaah, you shall find me of As-Sabirin.” (As-Saffat 37:102) The dreams of the Prophets are true, so as soon as he had seen this dream, Prophet Ibraheem (alaihi salaam) knew it was a revelation from Allaah. The story continues: “Then when they had both submitted themselves, and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead; And We called out to him: ‘O Ibraheem! You have fulfilled the dream!’ Verily! Thus, do We reward the doers of good.” So, Prophet Ibraheem and his son fulfilled the dream, they submitted themselves to Allaah and prepare themselves to carry out his command – once they did this, Allaah informed them that there was no need for the human sacrifice, Prophet Ibraheem had passed the test. Allaah presented him (alayhi salaam) with a ram to sacrifice instead. Ibn al-Qayyim said regarding this:‎” The purpose wasn’t for Ibrahim to kill his son, rather it was to sacrifice him in his heart, so all love belonged to Allaah alone.” On the day of ‘Eid al-Adha that we remember the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (alayhi salaam), and we reflect on what made him to be the strongest of the believers, a close friend of Allaah, someone whom Allaah has blessed and a leader of all the nations that follow
Is Qurbani an obligation upon me?

Yes, if you have the financial means. The Prophet (salalahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “he who has the capacity to sacrifice but does not do so, should not approach our musAllaah (grounds for the Eid prayer)”. This h̩adīth clearly indicates that Qurbani is an obligation on those who have the means.

The dreams of the Prophets are true, so as soon as he had seen this dream, Prophet Ibraheem (alaihi salaam) knew it was a revelation from Allaah. The story continues: “Then when they had both submitted themselves, and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead; And We called out to him: ‘O Ibraheem! You have fulfilled the dream!’ Verily! Thus, do We reward the doers of good.” So, Prophet Ibraheem and his son fulfilled the dream, they submitted themselves to Allaah and prepare themselves to carry out his command – once they did this, Allaah informed them that there was no need for the human sacrifice, Prophet Ibraheem had passed the test. Allaah presented him (alayhi salaam) with a ram to sacrifice instead. Ibn al-Qayyim said regarding this:‎” The purpose wasn’t for Ibrahim to kill his son, rather it was to sacrifice him in his heart, so all love belonged to Allaah alone.”

On the day of ‘Eid al-Adha that we remember the sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim (alayhi salaam), and we reflect on what made him to be the strongest of the believers, a close friend of Allaah, someone whom Allaah has blessed and a leader of all the nations that follow

What the time period for Qurbani?
The starting time for Qurbani begins after the Eid prayer, and it ends at sunset on the third day after Eid al-Adha. Crisis Aid advise you to pay for your Qurbani well in advance to allow us to purchase the animals. The sacrifice will only take place after the Eid prayer.
What type of animals should be sacrificed?
It should be either a large animal; camel or a cow, or a small animal; a sheep or goat. The animal should be healthy, with no apparent defects.
How many animals should I sacrifice?
One goat or sheep is sufficient for one family. As for cows and camels, these can be shared by seven families. Crisis Aid give you the option of sacrificing one seventh of a cow or camel. However, given that Qurbani is a great act of worship, you may sacrifice as many animals as you wish.
Does every member of my household have to offer a separate Qurbani?
No. It is sufficient for you to offer one qurbani on behalf of all the people who live in your house. ‘The Sahaabah Abu Ayyub was asked, “How was the sacrifice conducted at the time of the Messenger of Allaah (salalahu alaihi wa sallam)?” He replied, “A man would offer a sheep on behalf of himself and the members of his family, and they would eat some and feed others with some.” (al-Tirmidhi). Also the Prophet (salalahu alaihi wa sallam) before slaughtering a ram said: “In the name of Allaah; “O Allaah, accept (this sacrifice) on behalf of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad and the ummah of Muhammad.” i.e. the Prophet slaughtered one animal on his and his family’s behalf.
How should the meat be distributed?
Its recommended to distribute the meat between yourselves and family, friends and relatives, and the poor. However, given the difficulty of performing Qurbani in the UK, Crisis Aid distribute the entire amount, in a country of your choice, to the poor.
Can I do Qurbani on behalf of my deceased parents?

Its recommended to distribute the meat between yourselves and family, friends and relatives,and the poor. However, given the difficulty of performing Qurbani in the UK, Crisis Aid distribute the entire amount, in a country of your choice, to the poor.

What animals are sacrificed at Qurbani?
The animals to be slaughtered at Qurbani/ Udhiyah are sheep, goats, cattle (cows or bulls), buffalo or camels. According to the rules of Qurbani, they can be male or female but should be in good health, free from disability or handicap, and above a certain age. Goats and sheep must be at least one year old, while cattle must be two years, and camels five years.
How many Qurbani animals do I have to sacrifice?
Qurban animals have shares. Sheep and goats have one share each, camels and cattle each have seven shares. So for a single person, Qurbani is fulfilled with a sheep or a goat. Up to seven people can share in the purchase of a cow or a camel, and the sacrifice will be made for the seven.
When is Qurbani performed?
Qurbani can be performed from the 10th day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah until the sun sets on the 12th of Dhul-Hijjah. The best time is to perform the act of Qurbani is immediately after the completion of the Eid-ul-Adha prayers.
Is there anything else that I need to know?
The sacrificing person (normally the head of the household) should not cut his hair or nails from the first of Dhul-Hijjah until the sacrifice is completed. However, this prohibition does not apply to members of his household.

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Each person who is giving Qurbani, must give either one share (1/7) of a large animal such as a cow or a camel, or give a whole small animal such as a goat or a sheep.